Swingletree.



M. G. HARD.

SWINGLETREE. APPLICATION FlLED MAY2. x917;

Patented Oct. 23, 1917.

mr'ro v e. R or srs sngro v, .sourn Danette.

w u rie a e t 1 rat nteao fi-aajiai 7.

Application filed May 2, 1917. I SerialNo. 165,885.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, MILTON Gr. HARD, a

citizen-of the' United. States, and resident This invention relates to new and useful" improvements in swingletrees, and the primary object of the invention is to provide a new and novel swingletree, adapted to be attached to the lead horse, although the same is applicable for various other uses, and said swingletree occupies a comparatively small space when compared with'the conventional type of swingletree, making its use in orchards, etc., very desirable, as the ends thereof will not project out and tear small shrubbery or the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of this character which is easily and simply constructed, inexpensive to manufacture, and one which will be very eflicient in operation.

With these and numerous other objects in view my invention consists of the novel features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts which will be herein-' referred to and more particularly pointed out in the specification and claims.

In the accompanying drawing:

The figure is a perspective View of my new and improved swingletree.

In describing my invention I shall refer to the drawing in which similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the view. The numeral 1 designates a swingletree proper, that is formed from a single strip, preferably metal, that is bent substantially U-shaped, having a bent portion 2, and opposite straight side portions 3 and 44: disposed in parallel rela tion. The outer surface of the bent portion 2 has a draft attaching loop or ring 5 connected therewith, adapted to receive a clevis, or any other means for attaching a vehicle or the like thereto. The swingletree is provided with a complemental wooden brace 5, riveted thereto.

The swingletree is positioned on the horse in the usual manner, and adjacent the free ends of the side portions 3 and L thereof are pivotally mounted swinging hooks 6, which are secured to the outer surfaces thereof, and positioned above said hooks are snap fasteners 7, which are swingingly connected on supplemental attaching strips 8, that are secured to the inner surfaces of the side portions at the ends thereof.- Thes e port1ons..8 may be secured in anyjdesg'i'redmahner as by riveting, or solderingas desired. They are formed with bent "upper ends,

' through which-the inner. ends of the snap fasteners 7 are positioned, as clearly shown 1n the accompanylng drawing.

Secured to the straight portlons 3 and 4:

of the swingletree adjacent, the bent por-'' tion 2' thereof are a pair of connecting straps 9, which haverings 10 on their lower ends secured to the outer surface of the side portions as shown at 11. The upper ends of the straps 9 are provided with snap, fasteners 12 for a purpose to be hereinafter more fully described.

In operation the swingletree is positioned on the animal in the conventional manner, and the ends of the traces, are connected with the hooks 6. The snap fasteners 7, are then engaged with the opposite ends'of the hold back strap of the conventional type V of harness, and the swingletree is supported inposition by engaging the snap fasteners 12, on the upper ends of the straps 9 with the back strap, that extends across the hips of the horse. The loop or ring 5 is then attached to the vehicle by any desired means. This ring if desired may be permanently attached-to the vehicle, according to the use to which this'type of swingletree is desired to be put. The short length straps 9 form a connection between the swingletree and back strap, to support the same in position when not in use.

This type of swingletree is especially adapted for use in plowing orchards, as the opposite ends of the swingletree are bent inwardly parallel with the sides of the animal, and will not project out and tear and injure young shrubbery, as is the case with the conventional type of swingletrees now in use. The swingletree being formed preferably of metal forms a very strong and efficient device of this character, and is adapted for a great number of uses other than that herein specifically set forth.

From the foregoing description of the construction and operation of my new and improved swingletree, the manner of applying the same to use and the operation thereof will'be readily understood, and it will be seen that I have provided a simple and efficient means for carrying out the objects of this invention.

Having fully described my invention, What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. A swingletree of the class described including a substantially U-shaped strip, hooks adjacent the opposite ends thereof adapted to engage the trace ends, snap fastenerson said ends adapted for engagement with the opposite ends of the hold back strap, short length straps extending upwardly from the opposite sidesof said strip, detachable fastening means on the free ends of said straps to engage the back strap, and

Sepiez of this patent may be obtained for a draft attaching ring on the bent portion of said strip.

2. A swingletree of the class described including a substantially U-shaped strip,

or means for attaching the opposite ends thereon the bent portion of said strip.

In testimony whereof, I affix my signature hereto. a v

MILTON e. HAR

five cents each, by addressing the "Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. B. 

